A world-class Olympic mountain bike facility is set to open to the public well in advance of the 2032 Games and is expected to accommodate huge crowds at the event.
The Sunshine Coast Mountain Bike Centre, which will be delivered by Sunshine Coast Council, the state government and the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA), is still in the planning and approvals phase.
But GIICA stated, via its project overview, that the venue should be completed by 2029 and it should be able to host 10,000 spectators, including 8000 standing and 2000 seated, when the Games are on.
The centre will be developed on council-owned land, adjacent to more than 40km of existing trails at Parklands Conservation Park.
“(It) will deliver an international-standard cross-country Olympic competition trail and world-class facilities for athletes and the community, forming part of a broader nature-based recreation precinct,” GIICA said.
“The centre will feature a new trail hub, bike hire, amenities, car parking, and a cafe, supporting year-round use and creating a vibrant legacy well beyond the Games.
“The centre will attract outdoor enthusiasts to the region, boost the local economy and inspire a new generation of riders.”
GIICA outlined the timeline for the project, including a design phase, followed by construction of the trails and then construction of the hub before it is opened to the public, well before the Olympics and Paralympics.
“At this stage, the centre is planned for completion in 2029, allowing community access to the trail, facilities and amenities well ahead of the Games.”
“This means local riders, schools, clubs and visitors will be able to enjoy the international-standard competition trail, trail hub, bike hire and cafe in the lead-up to the Games.”
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The project is being led by the council. Funding partners include the federal and state governments but it’s not yet clear how much it could cost or how it will be paid for.
The details for the mountain bike venue came as the state government revealed early designs for the Sunshine Coast Stadium upgrade, which is set to host football matches in 2032.
Sunshine Coast News has reached out to the council and GIICA for further details, including potential impacts to the environment.
